Boarding your Dog

Whether it be during the holidays, vacation, or visiting family, there will come a time when you need to board your dog. Although it may be hard to part with Fido, especially when thinking about leaving them in a kennel, doing the right research and planning can make this time apart easier.

The Location

The first thing you need to consider when deciding to board your dog is where you want your pup to stay. Before deciding on a kennel, you should first take a tour of the facility and any outdoor areas to make sure they are clean and safe for your dog. If your dog is used to spending time in their crate, a kennel that keeps dogs in crates might be acceptable; but if your dog is not accustomed to spending time in a crate, it may be better to consider a kennel that allows for them to stay in a room, rather than a small crate.

Nutrition and Medication

Although many kennels may offer to feed your pets the facilities’ food, it may be easier on your dog’s stomach for them to continue to eat their normal food. Some owners will actually supply food for their pets, dropping it off when they check their pet in to the kennel. Changing too many things in your pet’s environment may cause them to feel anxious, so keeping their nutrition constant, can help the whole situation feel more stable for them. If your pets have any allergies or medical conditions that require medication, you will also need to provide enough for the length of your pet’s stay and a detailed list of instructions. In addition, if your pet needs medical assistance often, you should consider boarding them at a kennel that is part of a veterinary hospital, so there will be help nearby if needed.

Walks and Play Time

Another aspect of the kennel one should consider is how often your pet will be walked or given time to play outside. It is important for your pet to get just as much exercise when being boarded as they do at home. So, if you are a pet parent of an athletic dog who normally goes on a 3 mile walk each day, it is important for them to get the same amount of exercise when at the kennel. Some kennels even charge an additional fee for extended walks or bathroom breaks for the dogs staying at the kennel, so that is something important to consider.

Vaccines

Before staying at a kennel, pets are required to be up to date on all the required vaccines. In addition to the yearly vaccines administered by vets, if a dog is going to be staying at a kennel, they will also be required to have the Bordetella vaccine. Call or make a visit to your vet before taking your pet to the kennel to make sure they have all the required vaccines to stay at the kennel.

Book in Advance

After considering the facility, its cleanliness, and price, it is important to make a reservation with the kennel far in advance to ensure they will have a space for your pet when you are away. Waiting too long to make a reservation can result in having to find another kennel or even a full-time pet sitter, which can be harder to find and often more expensive.

Taking preliminary steps to assure your pet’s comfort and safety is important, not only when boarding them, but also in their everyday lives. We here at 4Paws Insurance want that for them as well. We offer accidental injury and illness coverage for your furry family members, as well as wellness care for preventive measures. Don’t wait to get coverage in place for your pet’s health and well-being. Call us for a free quote today!

4Paws pet health insurance policies are underwritten by Arch Insurance Company (a Missouri corporation NAIC # 11150), which is one of the member companies of Arch Insurance Group in North America. The information contained in this website is for illustrative purposes only and coverage under any pet health insurance policy underwritten by Arch is expressly subject to the conditions, restrictions, limitations, exclusions and terms of the policy. Availability of this program is subject to each state's approval and coverage may vary by state. Not all insurance coverages or products are available in all jurisdictions. Availability of coverage is subject to eligibility requirements.